AEHF-6 satellite now in communication with Space Force
NewsMarch 27, 2020
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The first national security launch for the U.S. Space Force and the final satellite to build out the protected communications constellation is now connected.
The sixth Lockheed Martin-built Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-6) satellite launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. at 4:18 p.m. ET. AEHF-6 separated from its United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket approximately five hours and 45 minutes after launch and is now responding to commands from ground control. This marks the first launch under U.S. Space Force control.
According to the company, AEHF-6 is part of the protected communications network providing global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for national leaders and tactical warfighters operating across ground, sea, and air platforms.
AEHF-5, launched in 2019 and recently handed over for operations, formed the global, anti-jam system, which is an asset shared by international allies to include Canada, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Australia.
